For the Purrbabies

Learn how to get rid of smelly dog ears once and for all with this helpful guide.
Let’s be honest, our pups’ ears are the best. Upright or floppy, big or small, or long-haired or short—every ear is as impressive as it is adorable, and that’s not just because the average dog hears four times better than humans do (Trusted Source) . Your dog’s ears can also move independently of each other to show emotion and mood, making them one of the best ways to read their body language and understand their personality.
So what happens when those super-ears start to smell a little funky? Nothing good. To help spot signs of disease and ear infections long before the smell starts, it’s helpful to understand the structure of your pet’s ears. Let’s start with the basics.
A dog’s ears have three major areas (Trusted Source), all of which work together for hearing and balance. Overgrowth and infection can occur in each of these areas of your dog’s anatomy, making routine self-checks key to infection prevention.
There are nearly as many reasons for stinky ears as there are breeds of dogs. Pet owners need to recognize certain symptoms to decide what can be treated at home, and when it might be time for a trip to the vet. Some of the most common causes of stinky ears in canines include the following.
While not an infection caused by bacteria, yeast overgrowth (such as Candida albicans) can occur in your dog’s ears—causing irritation, itchiness, and redness. Secondary infections from scratching and abrasions can compound this problem, resulting in pain and discomfort for your furry pal.
Yeast buildup usually happens when too much moisture gets trapped in or around a dog’s ears. This can lead to an infection and a strong, musty odor, so definitely keep an eye on your pups with skin folds or a lot of hair in or around their ears.
Chronic ear infections and stink can be caused by a bacterial infection due to the accumulation of bacteria in your dog’s outer ear. These infections commonly occur alongside yeast infections but can be more severe. More extensive situations can turn into a full outer ear infection or even result in a punctured eardrum if the bacteria moves further into your dog’s ear. if the bacteria moves further into your dog’s ear.
Environmental, food, and flea allergies can cause bacterial or yeast infections in dogs’ ears, as well as contact dermatitis. Plus, an itchy pup tends to scratch, which can lead to infection-prone lesions. If you believe your dog’s ear infection or musty smell is caused by allergies, connect with your vet. They can help you get to the cause of your dog’s allergies through testing and elimination diets (Trusted Source) . It’s important to note that if your dog’s itchy ears are caused by allergies, ear infections will be a reoccurring problem until the allergies are dealt with..
More commonly found in puppies than adult dogs, ear mites are contagious and cause severe itchiness and discomfort. They can also often lead to a secondary bacterial or yeast infection that will need to be treated. These are unfortunately a common problem in many pets and pet households and require extensive cleaning and treatment to fully remove.
Dirty ears can be resolved with a thorough ear cleaning, but always check your dog after playing outside for any foreign objects that may have gotten stuck inside their ears. Depending on where you live, grass awns and foxtails can be common culprits.
🚨 If your pet has something inside their ear, please take them to your vet instead of trying a DIY fix. They can remove the culprit safely from your dog’s ear.
A dog’s ear canal is long and narrow and bends at an almost 90-degree angle as it gets deeper. The anatomy alone makes it difficult for fluid or water to get out. Trapped water in ears can create a moist environment and can lead to all types of ear infections and yeast overgrowth. Proper drying after a bath or splashy day outside is key to preventing infection and inflammation of the ear canal.
Some dogs, like Labrador Retrievers, are naturally prone to wax buildup. Others, like Chow Chows, have narrow ear canals. These genetic predispositions can cause dogs’ ears to smell without routine cleanings.
Hypothyroidism is typically caused by an immune-mediated disease that attacks the thyroid gland, preventing the production of thyroid hormones. Other possible underlying conditions that can lead to smelly ears include tumors and polyps.
Dogs with big, heavy, or floppy ears, pups with extra hair in or around their ear canal, and breeds that love to swim are all susceptible to ear problems. A few of these breeds include:
Ear infections, yeast overgrowth, and other problems that cause smelly dog ears can be quite painful for your pup and seldom go away on their own. They should be treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Your vet will perform an otoscopic exam, an ear culture, and ear cytology, which involves swabbing a sample from the ear canal and examining it under a microscope. In severe cases, they may recommend sedating your dog to examine the ear canal and flush the ears thoroughly.
🚨 An untreated ear infection can rupture the eardrum and spread into the inner ear, causing symptoms like a head tilt, involuntary eye movement, and walking in circles. Get your dog immediate help if you notice these symptoms.
Once your pup’s ear problem is diagnosed, your vet will provide a treatment plan for a speedy recovery. The plan your vet chooses depends entirely on the root cause of the smelly dog ears. Many pets might require a medicated ear cleanser and topical medication for you to use at home, as well as acute care in-office. In more severe cases, they may also prescribe oral antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications.
👉 Make sure to provide your vet with your pup’s full medical history so they can also treat any underlying conditions that cause recurrent ear infections.
The safest way is with a veterinarian-approved dog ear-cleaning solution and a cotton ball or gauze. Don’t use cotton swabs or tweezers, which can push dirt and debris deeper into their ear or cause damage to their eardrum. You should also avoid alcohol and hydrogen peroxide.
First, talk to your vet to figure out what’s causing the smell and have your dog’s ears properly cleaned. After that, the best way to deal with smelly ears is to try to prevent it from happening again by keeping your pup’s ears dry, practicing good hygiene, and administering flea treatments regularly.
Any ear-cleaning solution used on your dog should be vet-approved, so it’s best to avoid at-home or OTC remedies before receiving approval from a medical professional.
Your dog’s ears might smell like dirty feet for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common culprits include bacterial infection or yeast overgrowth—which often results in a musty, cheesy, and “feet” smell.
If your dog’s ear smells like cheese, they may be dealing with a bacterial infection. A vet visit is needed to determine the cause and pick a course of treatment for your furry friend—and it’s better done sooner than later. The longer you let an infection go, the more you increase your chance of injury and permanent hearing loss.
If you smell a sweet, musty odor in your dog’s ears, it’s likely due to yeast overgrowth. This will require a vet visit to properly diagnose and treat. Ask your vet about antifungal medication and pet-safe at-home remedies to help bring your furry friend some comfort.